It's here, it's here, it's finally here - the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. Yayyyy! Yes, it's time to break out all the chocolate and sweets you had been saving all Lent long and stuff your face Augustus Gloop style. At least that's what I'll be doing.
Traditionally, this long weekend is the one when people 'go home' and visit their families for the first time since Christmas so you'd think there wouldn't be much to do. You would be wrong if you think that, though so you would; there's loads and loads of things to do and loads of time to do them!
Friday, April 18th
Since it's Good Friday, I'm guessing that a good number of you are planning on house partying it up somewhere to put away a large volume of alcomahol you bought last night in that moment of frenzied hysteria.
Well, we turn our noses up at that mad behaviour. Down with that sort of thing! Remember, you don't have to drink to enjoy yourself and in case you didn't know, some places are actually open. No, I'm not talking about train stations or hotels or the greyhound track but the theatre.
What? Theatre: The Assassination of Brian Boru
Where? The New Theatre, Dublin
What time? 7.30pm
How much? €12/€15
2014 marks the anniversary of the most famous High King Of Ireland, Brian Boru, and events are being held all around the country in commemoration. In fact, if you're in Clare or Tipp this weekend you might want to check out the Brian Boru On the Hill Music Festival 2014 which looks like a lot of fun. Anyway, this play mixes the themes of brotherhood, battles and blood-thirst - a winning formula if ever there was one!
What? Theatre: Cornerstones
Where? Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin
What time? 8pm
How much? €12/€15
For something at the other end of the spectrum, there's Cornerstones - the story of Ciara, Jonno, Derry and Mandy; four homeless teenagers living in a Dublin city-centre squat. Ciara wants to go on the X Factor, Derry wants to build a crime empire, Jonno and Mandy just want to keep up.
Saturday, April 19th
What? Music: DJs from Mars
Where? Club M, Dublin
What time? 10.30pm
How much? €10
What better way to get over the horror of having nowhere to go clubbing on Good Friday night than to go out with a bang on Saturday night? Even better - by clicking on the link above you could win a VIP night out to DJs From Mars at Club M for you and three of your bestest friends. Sorted!
What? Music: HamsandwicH
Where? The Olympia Theatre, Dublin
What time? 7pm
How much? €20/€22
Rather surprisingly, this is Hamsandwich's biggest headline gig to date! With an ever-growing fanbase, both here and from afar, Hamsandich are known for their mesmerizing pop/indie sound. As regulars on the festival circuit and having provided support for Bon Jovi alongside Mumford and Sons last year, the only way is up for the band from Kells so catch them in one of Dublin's most prestigious venues this Easter Saturday before you can't afford to buy tickets for their concerts anymore.
What? Show: Stars of Wrestling! Featuring WWE Superstar Chris Masters
Where? Leisureland, Galway
What time? 6.30pm
How much? €12
Do something totally different and meet and greet Chris Masters at Main Stage Wrestling's pro-wrestling show. This American-style wrestling show is packed full of high impact, non-stop excitement that’s fun and suitable for all ages and if you miss the Galway event, don't worry, the show is currently on tour.
Sunday, April 20th
What? Music: Dublin Afrobeat Ensemble
Where? The Sugar Club, Dublin
What time? 9pm
How much? €8
Chill out this Easter Sunday with the Dublin Afrobeat Ensemble, Manden Express, Truth & Souls DJ Akalepse & IZE. It's gonna be cool...
What? Music: Racing Home for Easter 2014
Where? Mallow, Co. Cork
This famous racing festival runs from Saturday - Monday but the Food and Craft Fair in Mallow Castle kicks off Easter Sunday in Mallow Castle so that's why I mentioned it. Mmm food, glorious, glorious food...See top jockeys and horses in action and generally have the craic.
What? Music: Sandi Thom
Where? INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry
What time? 9.30pm
How much? €15
Remember that, we'll say, infectious song 'I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair)' that was a huge hit a few years back? Well the songstress who wrote and sang it is, um, still singing away and she hits Kerry this Easter.
Monday, April 21st
What? Easter at Farmleigh
Where? Phoenix Park, Dublin
There's no shame in taking a break over the long weekend, you don't have to exert yourself, and a meander around Farmleigh House and Estate to soak up the relaxed and joyous atmosphere might just be the ticket. There'll be food markets, a plant fair and activities for the kiddies. Sounds like a lovely time.
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Similar lovely times can be had all around the country, like in Kerry at the Easter Sunday Family Day at Muckross Traditional Farms and in Roscommon at the Easter Sunday Funday in the Walled Gardens, Strokestown.